PANASONIC 3D BROADCAST OF US OPEN SERVES UP A BIG HIT

September 26, 2011

Critical acclaim, outstanding viewership and wide availability from major distributors greeted this month’s 3D coverage of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championships. A joint production of CBS Sports, Panasonic and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), this is the second year that American viewers have had the opportunity to watch the US Open in 3D, bringing a unique sense of “being there” to viewers of one of the world’s premiere sporting events. Panasonic, a worldwide leader in Full HD 3D technology, is the official consumer electronics sponsor of the US Open Championships, as well as sponsor of CBS Sports’ 2D and 3D US Open telecasts. Following an Emmy Award-winning production in 2010, this year 3D coverage of the US Open was expanded to include more hours and wider distribution. The coverage was available on DIRECTV’s n3D Powered by Panasonic; Comcast Xfinity 3D; Cablevision's iO TV; and Verizon’s FiOS system. In addition, the men’s and women’s finals were also available in 3D via the Internet on the USTA’s web site (www.usopen.org), utilizing the NVIDIA 3D viewing platform. “We’ve always said that sports bring out the best in 3D, and the strong response from system operators and the public proves it,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic’s Chief Technology Officer. “When you are watching a match in 3D in your home, the sense that you are actually there and a part of the action simply can’t be beat.” Viewers responded enthusiastically to the expanded coverage. “This was one of the most-watched 3D events on the DIRECTV 3D platform,” said Steven Roberts, Senior Vice President of Programming, Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “This is the second year that we have carried the US Open Tennis Championship in 3D and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Panasonic and the USTA to bring even more compelling tennis programming in 3D to DIRECTV customers nationwide.” This year’s production consisted of 48 hours of 3D programming over seven days, covering matches in both Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium -- a notable increase from the 40 hours of 3D programming from Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2010. The number of 3D cameras utilized was doubled to 14 this year, with three used specifically for low-angle 3D shots. A separate robotic 3D camera captured images of players during breaks, and Panasonic’s AG-3DP1 prototype as well as one fly-by-wire system were also used. The 3D production of the Open utilized its own unique production team and equipment. Special courtside placement of 3D cameras created the ideal camera angles for 3D filming giving 3D viewers a unique perspective on the action that made them feel as if they were sitting courtside. “We’re proud to have once again partnered with Panasonic to create cutting-edge 3D sports programming,” said Ken Aagaard, Executive Vice President of CBS Sports. “The audience response confirms our continuing belief that 3D TV programming can create an environment that brings viewers right into the action, offering a sense of realism never before possible.” “3DTV elevates home entertainment to a whole new level for consumers,” said Mr. Tsuyuzaki. “Panasonic’s commitment to 3D remains strong as evidenced by our recent announcement that we will partner with Olympic Broadcasting Services to create more than 200 hours of 3D coverage during next summer’s London Olympics. We’re looking forward, over the coming months, to present to consumers other flagship events that showcase the best in 3D programming.”

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